The Holy New Martyr Demetrius was born on 3 February 1883 in the town of Kolomna. He worked as a merchant and, following the Russian Revolution, was employed in various occupations, including serving as a procurement officer.
In 1935, he was exiled from Kolomna, where he returned in 1936. In 1937, he was arrested by the NKVD, accused of counter-revolutionary activity and anti-government propaganda. Throughout the investigation, he steadfastly maintained his innocence.
On 9 October 1937, an NKVD troika sentenced him to ten years of imprisonment in a forced labour camp. He was assigned to work at a timber enterprise. Later, he was transferred to the camp hospital after facing serious health problems. In letters to his relatives, he expressed unwavering hope and faith despite the harsh conditions of his imprisonment. His last known letter was sent on 28 May 1941.
The saint reposed in prison on 23 April 1942. He was buried in an unmarked grave.
